Kay Trains With Posh

29 September 2016

Phil Adlam

The football club were pleased to welcome Team GB Paralympic goalkeeper Ryan Kay to training this week.

Peterborough United invited local goalkeeper Ryan Kay to the Mick George Training Academy earlier this week and the talented shot-stopper was put through his paces by Goalkeeping Coach Mark Tyler and was in goal as a number of the players completed some shooting drills.

Kay has just returned from Brazil where he has been with the Team GB Paralympic football squad, an experience he will never forget. The team finished fifth overall after competing against two of the strongest sides in their group, Brazil and the eventual winners Ukraine.

A Posh season ticket holder for 12 years, Kay is an avid supporter, travelling home and away to support the club and he admits it was a 'wonderful experience' to be training with players he watches from the stands.

"I have had a season ticket for 12 years, my Dad took me when I was younger and I have been hooked ever since. Having a training session with Mark Tyler was a wonderful experience and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.

"A few of the players did a crossing and shooting drill and that was really hard because they were hitting them into the corners and the goals are a lot bigger than what I am used to, but it was something I won't forget.

"The experience of being away with Team GB in the summer was incredible. Everything has happened very quickly. We were in a tough group out in Rio. They were very good opposition, we gave them a good game and were unlucky to lose the fixtures.

"I have watched the Olympics before but I didn't really know too much about the football side of things. I couldn't believe the amount of fans inside the stadium. Wearing the kit makes me feel incredibly proud. To represent your country is the ultimate feeling," Kay said.

The Stanground-based youngster suffers with celebral palsy and is hoping his story can inspire others with disability to follow their dream. "When I was younger I always wanted to play professional football and obviously with the disability, it was difficult to play mainstream football.

"Getting involved with the Paralympic team helped me improve as a player and help me as a person. It gave me the confidence to do stuff that I would never do before. My family, friends and partner have been amazing through this whole time and I am so grateful for their support."